LACONIA -- The Love Dogs, a group that combines elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock 'n' roll into their own powerhouse sound, will perform at Pitman's Freight Room Saturday, July 5, at 8 p.m.

MEREDITH — The Griggs-Wyatt American Legion Post 33 have been grandfathered by many years of putting together an Independence Day BBQ. This requires us to offer a timely and reasonably priced menu. We will be set up at the BBQ pit as well as a food trailer.

The food trailer will open at 11 a.m. at or near the BBQ pit and will remain open until 9:30 p.m. or the finish of the fireworks. The post will offer a complete BBQ chicken meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At noon, in honor of Independence Day, Eliot Finn will read the Declaration of Independence.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, our famous freedom fries, soda and water will be available starting at 2 p.m. according to Commander Sam Blake.

PLYMOUTH -- About 40 members of the Friends of the Pemi gathered recently at the Livermore Falls Holderness Beach to celebrate the group's accomplishments to date. The Friends enjoyed their first barbeque – christening the new picnic tables and grills that they had recently installed -- with a hot dog and burger cookout provided by the Plymouth Rotary Club.

More than 90 community partners have joined together in the past two years to focus on transforming Livermore Falls into a family-friendly environment they hope will eventually become a part of the State Park system. The coalition, led by Plymouth Rotarians Ken Evans and Walter Johnson, is working to change the culture so that peace-loving citizens can appreciate the natural environment and the historical significance of Livermore Falls, while enjoying the numerous recreational possibilities the site has to offer.

Back in March, the Friends collaboration engaged the public in two community visioning sessions, and through their combined efforts and shared passion, they succeeded in driving down crime, have decreased littering and have introduced some folks to the natural beauty of area who would never have visited Livermore Falls only a few years ago.

Patrick Hummel, Volunteer Activities Coordinator for the State of New Hampshire's Division of Parks and Recreation, praised the Friends group for its strong coalition. He said the "Friends of the Pemi" – Livermore Falls Chapter is one of the best friends groups in the state that has set a high standard which other groups will endeavor to follow in the future. He noted the fact that the group has been committed and focused on positive outcomes right from the start.

Rotarian Ken Evans asked each member of the Friends to make a point of visiting Livermore Falls with family and friends this summer. Though there is still much work to be done over the coming years, the Friends committees are enthusiastically focused on the further development of the historical, environmental and recreational aspects of the site which will have positive significance for the entire community.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Friends of the Pemi, may call Plymouth Rotarian, Kathy Kearns, for more information at (603) 744-0661.

PLYMOUTH — 11 educators with affiliation to Plymouth State University were honored June 7 at the New Hampshire EDie Awards, which recognize New Hampshire schools and individuals who meet high standards of educational excellence. Esther Asbell, Donna Ciocca, Christina Flanders, '00, Carl Ladd, '05CAGS, Judith Lavoie, Joseph Lee, '06, Bill Marston, '54,'64G, Pearl Sandy, Thomas Stevens, '01, Jonas Taub and Barbara Wirth, '09CAGS, received awards at a ceremony attended by Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen, University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Julie Bernier and Marianne True, Chair of PSU's Elementary Education and Childhood Studies Department.

"It is a joy to attend the EDies and see the extraordinary work being done on behalf of New Hampshire's children," said Steen. "I'm pleased that Plymouth State educators have a strong role in that excellence."

Plymouth State alum Bill Marston, '54,'64G, who has more than 50 years' experience as a teacher, principal, athletic director and university faculty member, received the Doris Barnes Retired Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. The award states, "He has made significant contributions to improving the quality of education from pre-K through college levels."

Marston, a Bristol native, is active in Plymouth State's Alumni Association and is also a member of Plymouth State's Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in basketball and baseball. He formerly served on the USNH Board of Trustees and the PSU President's Council.

Christina Flanders, '00, was awarded the School Psychologist of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists. Flanders has been the Laconia School District school psychologist since June, 2005. She is also a faculty member at Plymouth State University.